GEELONG v CARLTON, Etihad Stadium, Friday, 7.40pm

THE BUZZ: Geelong's 10-goal second term against the Bulldogs last week was as close to football perfection as you would see. The Blues have won two straight - albeit against weaker opposition - and are primed for the finals.

WHY TO WATCH: Surprise, surprise, the Blues have won their last two against the Catters. They go in as rank underdogs again, but will believe their pacy small forwards could wreak some havoc.

WE THINK: Impossible to tip against the Cats after last week's mauling of the Bulldogs.

Geelong by 20

TAB SPORTSBET: Geelong $1.20, Carlton $4.45

ST KILDA v RICHMOND, Etihad Stadium, Saturday, 2.10pm

THE BUZZ: The Saints appear to be running into form at the right time. Seven goals to Nick Riewoldt underlines this very point.

WHY TO WATCH: Nick Riewoldt at one end, Jack Riewoldt at the other. Whoever kicks more gets he extra slice of ham at Christmas lunch.

WE THINK: The Tigers might have run out of steam, although they'll lift next week for the final match for Ben Cousins. For the Saints, it is another chance for coach Ross Lyon to get his beloved processes right.

St Kilda by 51

TAB SPORTSBET: St Kilda $1.08, Richmond $7

HAWTHORN v FREMANTLE, Aurora Stadium, Saturday, 2.10pm

THE BUZZ: The Hawks appear to have righted the ship. They're not quote finals certainties, but should have their berth in the bag by 5pm Saturday, probably quite a bit earlier.

WHY TO WATCH: Not really sure. Aaron Sandilands misses again with a sore foot, while those staying home for a rest include Matthew Pavlich, Adam McPhee, David Mundy, Stephen Hill and Anthony Morabito are among those staying home.

WE THINK: Hawthorn's new plodding gameplan isn't built for blowing teams away, but this could turn ugly nevertheless.

Hawthorn by 46

TAB SPORTSBET: Hawthorn $1.09, Fremantle $6.50

COLLINGWOOD v ADELAIDE, MCG, Saturday, 7.10pm

THE BUZZ: Great times at Pie-land as they march towards the finals as flag favourite. Another week at the MCG, another week to fine-tune. The Crows are feeling indignant as defender Nathan Bock becomes the first player to defect to the Gold Coast.

WHY TO WATCH: What will happen first? Joffa donning the gold jacket or Antony Green calling the election on the ABC?

WE THINK: Another chance for the Pies to fine-tune their premiership assault.

Collingwood by 37

TAB SPORTSBET: Collingwood $1.03, Adelaide $10

SYDNEY v WESTERN BULLDOGS, SCG, Saturday, 7.10pm

THE BUZZ: The Swans are finding form at the right time of the year, a bit like the Saints. The Dogs are coming off that 101-point thrashing from Geelong and are looking to Collingwood of 1990 for inspiration. The Pies lost by 15 goals three weeks out from that year's finals series and still claimed the flag.

WHY TO WATCH: The last SCG home game for Brett Kirk and Paul Roos. Barry Hall's return to his former stamping ground. The Bulldogs seeking redemption...the list goes on.

WE THINK: The Dogs have won their last five against the Swans and match up very well.

Western Bulldogs by 12

TAB SPORTSBET: Sydney $2.10, Western Bulldogs $1.68

PORT ADELAIDE v MELBOURNE, AAMI Stadium, Sunday, 12.40pm (WST)

THE BUZZ: Port's main focus now is to name its new coach for 2011. Another win and interim coach Matty Primus can nail his name to the door. Melbourne's finals push is over after last week's loss to the Hawks.

WHY TO WATCH: The second-last game for Melbourne skipper James McDonald, who might be remembered in a similar fashion as Richie Vandenberg as having done all the hard yards ahead of a golden era for his club.

WE THINK: Melbourne haven't won at the venue since 2001.

Port by 14

TAB SPORTSBET: Port Adelaide $2, Melbourne $1.75

ESSENDON v BRISBANE, Sunday, Etihad Stadium, 2.10pm

THE BUZZ: Matty Knights is coaching for his future amid reports that the Bombers are ready to anoint favourite son James Hird.

WHY TO WATCH: How will the Dons respond to a fortnight of insipid fotball? It's 200 games for Lions champ Jonathan Brown. We know how he'll respond.

WE THINK: Toss-of-the-coin. Perhaps the Bombers because they're at home.

Essendon by 5

TAB SPORTSBET: Essendon $1.65, Brisbane $2.15

WEST COAST v NORTH MELBOURNE, Subiaco, Sunday, 2.40pm (WST)

THE BUZZ: West Coast is certain to win the wooden spoon, while North has the faintest glimmer of a hope for the finals.

WHY TO WATCH: It's all about the future for both clubs and we'd say that for now, you'd rather be in Brad Scott's shoes.

WE THINK: The Eagles have just about forgotten how to win.

North Melbourne by 12

TAB SPORTSBET: West Coast $2.75, North Melbourne $1.72